Random thoughts re this: I have fished private, reasonably priced pay lakes and thoroughly enjoyed the experiences; I hate class warfare or the promotion of class envy that is so popular now in the U.S.; I instinctively envy those that can afford $1K+ a day venues, but don’t anguish over it. I have spent a considerable sum for a week on Christmas Island. Choices in life being what they are, I maybe have one such trip left if I stay healthy and solvent. I am lucky and know it.

So, I have to admit to wondering about fishing houses, beats, private waters etc. if they become the norm and the sport becomes privileged. Can the average angler afford to fish the Skeena or some fabled waters in Ireland. Is the fly fishing sport going to become increasingly elitist in order to access well managed waters, because the state cannot manage their ass out of a bathroom stall?If I seem harsh re the state, well I am…deminuitive state and all.

I am much too ignorant of how this has all evolved around the world to know what has been lost to the average fly fishers elsewhere or even gained. But, my instincts tell me we best be careful in our drive to protect habitat, species and status, that we do not cut off the non-privileged that hold a normal job, have life’s obligations and will never be able to afford exotic venues or pricey, private waters….just random thoughts. Out West (U.S.) we are accustomed to room to roam, but that currently seems counter balanced by poor management in many areas.

“Ironically the democratic structure of Fish and Game has made regional councils vulnerable to take-over by self-interest groups. At the 2009 fish and game elections, there is an underlying but real threat to a century old egalitarian tradition of public fish and game sport. Few within fish and game – only those with a vested interest – would want to see the public ownership of fish and game eroded and replaced with privatisation and shooting and fishing fees.”  Kiwi Fishing